Ports & destinations

Sweden's second onshore power supply for cruise ships inaugurated in Stockholm

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 15 May 2025 15 May 2025

Ports of Stockholm has taken another important step towards more sustainable shipping by inaugurating Sweden's second electricity connection for international cruise ships. Two facilities now enable more ships to connect to electricity at berth, reducing air emissions and noise levels. This strengthens Stockholm's position as a premium destination for sustainable cruise traffic.

Ports of Stockholm has now inaugurated Sweden's second facility for onshore power supply (OPS) for international cruise ships. The new facility was put into operation on 12 May when the Viking Jupiter was connected. Already last year, Ports of Stockholm inaugurated Sweden's very first electricity connection for cruise ships.

“The inauguration of Sweden's second onshore power connection for cruise ships is another important milestone for us and for the environment, and we are proud to be able to offer a more climate-smart solution for our shipping customers. It contributes greatly to creating a sustainable premium destination for cruise traffic, both in Stockholm and in the entire Baltic Sea region,” says Jens Holm, Chair of the Board of Ports of Stockholm.

The new high-voltage facility is built according to international standards and allows ships to switch off their auxiliary engines while at berth. This reduces emissions to air and also reduces noise levels. With the two facilities, Ports of Stockholm can connect about half of all cruise calls in Stockholm. The electricity used is 100% green and comes from renewable sources such as wind and hydro power.

Ports of Stockholm is working actively and long term in order to, together with its shipping customers, significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants, and reduce noise levels from ships and port operations. Expanding onshore power access for ships is one of the key measures to achieve the objectives set. Together with three other Baltic Sea ports – Copenhagen/Malmö, Aarhus and Helsinki – Ports of Stockholm has received EU funding for the investment in onshore power supply at the centrally located quay Stadsgården 160.

Ports of Stockholm rewards shipping customers who implement environmental improvement measures. This is done through discounts on port fees for ships that achieve high environmental performance according to the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) and Clean Shipping Index (CSI). The discounts aim to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and particles.

Cruise ships calling at Ports of Stockholm can discharge their wastewater at cruise quays. Four out of five of all international cruise ship calls in Stockholm use these facilities. However, not all vessels discharge wastewater during their call – many have advanced wastewater treatment plants onboard to treat it or store it in tanks for discharge at a later port. Ships are obliged to deliver their solid waste to port, and source-separated waste results in reduced waste fees.

Much of the ferry traffic in Ports of Stockholm has been connected to onshore power for a long time.

Photo: Stefan Scheja, Marketing Manager Ferries and Cruises at Ports of Stockholm

 

First cruise ship refuels with LNG in Vancouver

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 09 May 2025 09 May 2025

The first-ever cruise ship will fill up with an alternative fuel at the Port of Vancouver today, receiving LNG (liquefied natural gas) from Seaspan Energy’s LNG bunker vessel Seaspan Garibaldi as it prepares to sail to Alaska.

LNG is the first alternative fuel available in significant quantities for the international maritime sector that has been approved for local bunkering – or ship refuelling services – with deep-sea vessels now able to refuel with it at the Port of Vancouver. The adoption of LNG bunkering at the port marks an important milestone as the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority supports industry efforts to enhance sustainability and reduce emissions.

“We all have a crucial role to play enabling the energy transition and as a port authority our focus is on putting the infrastructure and processes in place to ensure visiting ships can move beyond traditional marine fuels and embrace alternative fuels like LNG,” said Captain Shri Madiwal, Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “LNG is one of the most widely adopted alternative marine fuels and the first approved for bunkering at the Port of Vancouver – its introduction is a vital step forward as early planning gets underway to safely introduce other alternative fuels like ammonia and methanol.”

The transition away from traditional marine fuels, such as heavy fuel oil and marine diesel, to cleaner fuels such as LNG is key to reducing emissions and meeting decarbonization targets at the Port of Vancouver and worldwide. Offering services like alternative fuel bunkering and shore power infrastructure in Vancouver supports the goals of visiting cruise lines, as they actively work towards reducing their emissions and reaching net zero by 2050, in line with International Maritime Organization targets.

While biofuels have been available for bunkering at the port for several years in limited quantities, LNG represents the arrival of the first alternative to traditional diesel-based fuels and its introduction will support work towards introducing further alternative fuels such as ammonia.

Seaspan Energy became the first accredited supplier of LNG for ships calling the Port of Vancouver last fall, and currently operates three ship-to-ship LNG bunkering vessels on North America’s West Coast. The company has successfully completed several LNG bunkering operations for container, car carrier and bulk cargo ships in Vancouver already this year, as shippers embrace the availability of the alternative fuel.

“We are proud to play a key role in advancing the shift to alternative marine fuels in North America’s fourth largest port and look to become a major centre for LNG bunkering,” said Harly Penner, President of Seaspan Energy. “Providing dependable LNG bunkering services from Vancouver represents a major step forward. This first LNG bunkering of a cruise ship at the port is a milestone we are excited to share with the Port of Vancouver, as it signals meaningful progress in the industry’s decarbonization efforts.”

Seaspan Energy’s LNG bunkering accreditation followed a rigorous assessment by the port authority that considered international best practices around safety, including site-specific safety assessments and plans. LNG and other fuels safely move through the Port of Vancouver every day including various LNG-fueled deep-sea vessels calling port terminals.

Vancouver’s thriving cruise sector is at the forefront of port efforts to create sustainable operations and protect the environment. This includes pioneering shore power technology and being a leader in key local environmental programs such as ECHO and EcoAction.

Cruise lines had a more than 90% participation rate last year in the port authority-led ECHO Program (which coordinates voluntary ship slowdowns to protect at-risk whales in the Salish Sea), while the sector’s strong participation connecting to shore power has enabled port-related greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced by more than 45,000 tonnes since 2009.

Shore power technology allows ships to shut down their auxiliary engines and plug into B.C.’s low-emission, hydro-powered electrical grid while at berth – with more than 80% of cruise calls shore power-enabled in 2024.

Five cruise lines received Blue Circle Awards from the port authority last year in recognition of their efforts to advance sustainability and environmental protections.

There are 301 cruise ship calls scheduled for 2025, with each ship call to the Port of Vancouver injecting an average of $3 million into the local economy.

Vancouver has been a homeport for Alaska cruises for more than 30 years, acting as the base for one-way and round-trip cruises through the Inside Passage. Being a homeport means Canada Place is where cruise ships restock food and beverage, conduct repairs, and refuel during the Alaska season.

"FortisBC is proud to be a part of the growth of LNG marine fuelling at the Port of Vancouver by providing fuel for Seaspan Energy’s first cruise ship bunkering event,” said Mike Leclair, Vice President of Major Projects and LNG at FortisBC. “We look forward to working with Seaspan Energy and Port of Vancouver operators to support the success of this initiative, driving innovation in the maritime industry."

Prince Rupert Cruise Port blasts past the 150,000 passenger mark in 2026 forecast

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 09 May 2025 09 May 2025

Prince Rupert Cruise Port (PRCP) has announced a groundbreaking 2026 cruise season forecast, projecting remarkable numbers and welcoming exciting new partnerships that will further elevate its status as a premier cruise destination.

PRCP recently surpassed projection expectations with 154,846 cruise guests anticipated in 2026 based on current cruise call bookings – a sharp increase from the 65,846 passengers projected to visit the port during the 2025 season. This figure represents staggering year-over-year growth of 135% compared to 2025 and an exceptional leap from the 59,404 passengers welcomed in 2024.

The 2026 cruise season will include the addition of two new lines to the port’s shores: Virgin Voyages and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (RCYC), along with additional calls from Ruby Princess, delighting passengers with uniqueand tailored experiences. Kevin D’Costa, General Manager of Prince Rupert Cruise Port, shared his insights and appreciation for the port’s forthcoming success: “PRCP extends heartfelt gratitude to the Carnival Corporation for leading the charge to Prince Rupert with 44 scheduled calls this season, contributing significantly to our thriving operations. Carnival Cruise Line (CCL), Holland America Line (HAL), Seabourn (SBN), and Princess Cruises continue to be key partners in our success, reinforcing Prince Rupert’s reputation as a top-notch destination.”

He added, "Great destinations aren't just visited, they are experienced! By enhancing shore excursions and delivering seamless service, we create lasting impressions that drive cruise business growth.”

Brian Friesen, Board Member at Prince Rupert Cruise Port and Special Advisor, Global Ports Holding, noted that “Prince Rupert is rapidly emerging as a key player in the growing Alaska cruise theater, and the remarkable growth projected for 2026 is a clear signal that we are reaching a new level of critical mass that will set the stage for continued investment in cruise infrastructure, shore excursion development and destination enhancements. I am thrilled to see the momentum building so strongly, and confident Prince Rupert will play an even larger role in the future of Alaska itineraries."

In an effort to boost community alignment with increasing passenger numbers and evolving customer demands, D’Costa and his team recently hosted a special Guest Engagement Workshop for the local cruise stakeholders. The highly anticipated event, which was held on April 15th, featured a dynamic seminar conducted by Claudine Pohl, CEO & Founder of Lemoneight. The seminar gave cruise tourism and community partners a prime opportunity to connect, share insights, and explore the latest industry trends to support the growing demand for the destination. “Workshops like these are vital for fostering collaboration and innovation in the cruise industry,” said Pohl, an accredited corporate trainer. “Together, we can create experiences that resonate deeply with our guests and keep them coming back for more of wild Prince Rupert.”

Tunisia's La Goulette enjoys early wave

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 09 May 2025 09 May 2025

For the first time in its history, La Goulette Cruise Port launched its season in January – welcoming ships even in the heart of winter. Thanks to Tunisia’s sunny Mediterranean climate and rich cultural heritage, this North African gem is quickly emerging as a year-round destination with strong potential for cruise lines seeking fresh seasonal opportunities.

Last week brought a standout moment, as the port welcomed two prestigious cruise lines: Seven Seas Navigator from Regent Seven Seas Cruises and MSC Seaside from MSC Cruises, together bringing nearly 4,900 passengers eager to explore Tunisia’s vibrant shores.

And the momentum shows no signs of slowing. In May alone, La Goulette is set to host 18 cruise calls, welcoming over 30,000 passengers. To date in 2025, the port has already received 26 calls, with 113 more scheduled – projecting a total of over 290,000 passengers for the year. This represents a remarkable 32% increase in passenger volume and a 43% rise in cruise calls compared to 2024, which closed with 79 calls and just over 220,000 passengers.

Cruise guests are drawn to Tunisia’s diverse offerings – from the ancient ruins of Carthage and the blue-and-white beauty of Sidi Bou Said to the bustling souks of Tunis and the cultural richness of the Medina.

“We’re proud to see La Goulette Cruise Port stepping confidently into year-round operations,” said Sami Debbiche, General Manager of La Goulette Cruise Port. “This growth reflects the trust of our cruise partners and the unique appeal Tunisia holds for travellers. We’re committed to delivering exceptional service and unforgettable experiences at every call.”